Multiple glazed unit



Nov. 25, 1941. w. OWEN MULTIPLE GLAZED UNIT INVENTOR Ml- 1. [HM Ou/EN ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 25,1941

. ()FFIC burgh Plate Glass (7 Claims.

The present invention relates to window constructions and more particularly to multiple glazed units in which the assembly is readily dis mantled for purposes of repair or cleaning.

One object of the invention. is the provision of a multiple glazed unit with a special-frame restricting the transfer of heat therethrough, together with an improved retainer element for holding the glass panes removably in position within the frame.

A second object of the invention is the provision of a retainer for the glass panes which carries a dehydrating material adapted to maintain the space between the glass panes in substantially anhydrous condition. 1 K

Other objects. of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure l is a fragmentary vertical section through a unit constructed in accordance with the provisions of my invention, and Figures 2 and 3 are fragmentary vertical sections through other forms of structure illustrating the inven tion.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawing. a unit comprises a frame I of metal, wood or synthetic plastic substantially of L-shape in cross-section, provided with inwardly extended flanges 2 and 3. A bar 4 of insulating material provided with a shoulder 5 lies within the frame and is secured thereto by suitable means, as for example by rivets l. A plurality of glass panes 8 seated within a marginal spacing and sealing member to of rubber or other resilient material is positioned within the frame I upon the insulating layer 4. A retainer element I2 substantially of triangular shape in cross-section is fitted within the frame abutting the insulating layer 4 and held against transverse movement by the shoulder 5. The retainer l2 carries a filling I4 of a dehydrating material such as activated alumina, calcium sulfate, or the like. Ducts l5, extending through the marginal spacers Ill at suitable intervals-and openings I8 within the retainer l2, establish communication between the space I8 intermediate the glass panes 8 and the dehydrating material M. The retainer l2 has a face 28 converging toward the glass panes 8 and a wedge 22 of resilient material is interposed between the face 28 of the retainer I2 and one of the glass panes 8 to lock the assembly.

Another form of the invention is illustrated in Figure 2 wherein a frame 24 is substantially 68 ompany, Allegheny County, Pa, a corporation of Pennsyi 1- Appiication January 12, 1940, Serial No. 313,558

of L-shape in cross-section and includes a flange 25 having an intermediate shoulder 28 carrying a dependent lip 21 interlocking with a bar 28 of suitable insulating material. A second flange 3| is fitted over the opposite end of the bar 28 and carries the intermediate shoulder 32 having anoflset portion 33 ca ying a dependent lug 34 which also interlocks with the bar 29. The outer edges of the flanges 25 and 3| are rolled over the bar 28 to complete the frame. A plurality of glass panes 38 with a marginal spacing and sealing member 3'! is seated within the frame upon the shoulder 28 and section 33. A retainer elepanes 38 and the dehydrating material 48. The l retainer 38 has a side 48 converging toward the glass panes with a notched surface to bind a locking wedge 41 of resilient material which fits between the retainer face 88 and one of the glass panes 38 to lock the assembly.

Another form of the invention is illustrated in Figure 3 wherein a frame 88 comprises a metal flange 5i having an intermediate shoulder 52 from which is offset, adjacent the end thereof, a channel member 53 terminating in a flange 54. A plurality of glass panes 58 with marginal spacing and sealing means 51 is positioned within the frame upon the shoulder 52. A retainer element 58, containing a filling 59 of a suitable dehydrating material, is seated upon the flange 54, and carries a finger 88 which interlocks with the free 'end of the shoulder 52. Ducts 8|, extending through the marginal spacer 51 at suitable intervals and openings 82 in the retainer 58, establish communication between the space 83 intermediate the glass panes 58 and the dehydrating material 59; Channel strips 84 of rubber are interposed between the frame and the retainer to provide an insulation, reducing heat transference through the assembly. The retainer 58 is provided with a side 85 converging toward the glass panes 58 and bearing surface notches to bind a wedge 88 of resilient material which is interposed between the retainer and one of the glass panes to lock the assembly.

It is recognized that the application of dehydrating capsules or desiccants to multiple glass units has been shown by the prior art. In most circumstances, however, considerable difllculty is experienced in replacing those desiccators which are no longer efiective and which have become spent in service. In the few constructions in which provision is made for ready replacement of the desiccating materials, the amounts of those materials which are present in the units are relatively small. By combining the dehydrating materialswith the retaining elements it is not only possible to permit rapid replacement of the spent desiccators, but also to secure a more complete dehydration of the space between the glass panes since a larger amount of desiccant is exposed thereto.

Another feature of my proposed construction is the fully insulated frame by means of which heat transfer therethrough is reduced to a minimum. Accordingly, when the units are installed the inner surfaces thereof will be maintained substantially at room temperatures, thus preventing undue condensation of atmospheric moisture thereon.

It will at once be apparent that modifications in the arrangement of the several elements of my construction are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A multiple glazed unit comprising a frame, substantially of L-shape in cross-section, a plurality of glass panes with marginal spacing and sealing means positioned within the frame, a retainer element carrying a filling of a dehydrating material fitted within the frame adjacent the glass panes, ducts establishing communication between the space intermediate the glass panes and the dehydrating material, and a wedge of resilient material interposed between the retainer element and one of the glass panes to lock the assembly.

2. A multiple glazed unit comprising a frame, substantially of L-shape in cross-section, a plurality of glass panes with marginal spacing and sealing means positioned within the frame and abutting a layer of insulating material, a retainer element carrying a filling of a dehydrating material seated within the frame adjacent the glass panes upon the layer of insulating material, ducts establishing communication between the space intermediate the glass panes and the dehydrating material, and a wedge of resilient material interposed between the retainer element and one of the glass panes to lock the assembly.

3. A multiple glazed unit comprising a frame substantially of L-shape in cross-section, a bar of insulating material lying within the frame and secured to the base portion thereof provided with an inwardly-extending shoulder, a plurality of glass panes with marginal spacing and sealing means positioned within the frame and abutting the insulating material, a retainer element, sub-- stantially of triangular shape in cross-section seated within the frame upon the insulating layer and held against lateral movement by the shoulder thereof, with one side converging toward the glass panes, a body of a dehydrating material'disposed within the retainer element, ducts establishing communication between the space intermediate the glass panes and the dehydrating material, and a wedge of resilient material interposed between the retainer element and one of the glass panes to lock the assembly.

4. A multiple glazed unit comprising a frame substantially of L-shape in cross-section including a pair of metallic plates secured to and maintained in spaced parallel relation by a spreader bar of insulating material, a plurality of glass panes with marginal spacing and sealing means positioned within the frame, a retainer element carrying a filling of a dehydrating material interlocked with the frame adjacent the glass panes, ducts establishing communication between the space intermediate the glass panes and the dehydrating material, and a wedge of resilient material interposed between the retainer element and one of the glass panes to lock the assembly.

5. A multiple glazed unit comprising a frame including a pair of spaced inwardly-extending flanges and a shoulder intermediate thereof extending from one of the flanges, a plurality of glass panes with marginal spacing and sealing means supported upon the shoulder, a retainer element carrying a filling of a dehydrating material interlocked with the frame adjacent the glass panes, ducts establishing communication between the space intermediate the glass panes and the dehydrating material, and a wedge of resilient material interposed between the retainer element and one of the glass panes to lock the assembly.

WILLIAM OWEN. 

